UK budget deficit swells as June borrowing hits four-year high

Britain’s budget deficit swelled by more than expected last month, after the UK Government borrowed more than £7 billion (€8bn) to help balance the books.

The Government posted the highest borrowing figure for June since 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The public sector borrowed £7.2 billion in June – £3.8 billion (€4.2bn) more than June last year – as it spent more money than it received in taxes and other income.

Since the start of the financial year, the Government has borrowed £17.9 billion (€19.9bn), representing a significant rise from £13.4 billion (€14.9bn) over the same period last year.

In June, central government spending increased by £4.3 billion (€4.8bn), or 7.2%, to £64.8 billion (€72.2bn).

Meanwhile, Government receipts increased by £800 million (€891m), or 1.5%, to £58.7 billion (€65.4bn).

Receipts grew on the back increased income tax and national insurance income, which rose by £300 million (€334.3m) and £500 million (€557.3m) respectively compared to June 2018.

Howard Archer, chief economic adviser at EY Item Club, said: “On the basis of April to June, borrowing is headed for £31.4 billion (€35bn) – but it is premature to draw any firm conclusions as monthly public finance data can be prone to significant revisions as well as being influenced by specific factors.

“Much will depend on whether the economy can shrug off its current weakness as well as on Brexit developments.

“It will also be influenced by any changes to fiscal policy by the new Prime Minister and Chancellor.”

The figures also revealed that public sector debt grew by £27 billion (€30.1bn) to £1.82 trillion (€2.03tn) at the end of June.

As a proportion of GDP, the debt shrank by 1.5 percentage points to 83.1%.

John McDonnell, Labour’s shadow chancellor, said: “With the Conservatives obsessed with no-deal Brexit and a race to the bottom on taxes, the outlook for our public services after years of austerity is grim.

“Instead of investing to grow they have passed on the deficit to hospitals and local councils, overseeing stagnating wages and productivity.”